Pre-Deployment Roundtables

Beginning in early 2006, CSER implemented a series of economics and governance roundtables for military units deploying to Iraq. These roundtables provide Unit commanders and senior staff a thorough understanding of the plans, strategies, and programs of government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, etc., operating within their area of responsibility (AOR). Accordingly, military operators obtain a much more complete picture as to where their own economics and governance efforts should be focused so as to better support others in the AOR.

Each roundtable is customized to the deploying units’ AOR and varies in length from one to three days. The content may consist of presentations, panel discussions, plenary debate, and topical small group breakout sessions, with plenty of networking time built into the schedule.

The key objective of each roundtable is to impart to the military unit’s senior staff, especially those charged with economics, governance, and interagency cooperation, a better understanding as to how best to maximize unit capabilities. This is done through an exchange of information with appropriate representatives of U.S. government agencies such as the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce and Agriculture, in addition to non-governmental organizations, host government officials, international organizations, chambers of commerce, the private sector, and academia, as appropriate. The roundtables’ academic setting enhances a greater understanding among the parties by building relationships and trust that contribute to achieving their missions.